Underground tank locking and sealing mechanism

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for securing access to an underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure the fill cap on underground liquid storage tanks for refined petroleum products such as situated at typical end user fueling stations. A protective shell with integral vapor sealing cap is provided with a three point toggle mechanism, to prevent theft, willful contamination, or other unauthorized access to the underground storage tank fill cap for any purpose while maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the release of the vapor from the tank contents.

PRIORITY claim

This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “UNDERGROUND TANK LOCKING AND SEALING MECHANISM,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 61/937,142, filed Feb. 7, 2014, and which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to locks. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to apparatus and methodology for securing access to fill caps for underground liquid storage tanks.

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Many typical currently installed underground storage tanks are fitted with a locking cap and hasp mechanism. Such a hasp mechanism may be fitted with a padlock. Such type of locking arrangement is vulnerable to a variety of attack methods, including, but not limited to, bolt cutters, pry bars, lock picking, physical manipulation of ill fitting caps, unscrewing of the locked cap assembly from the tank standpipe nipple, and other methods. In the case especially of petroleum products, there is a particularly need to prevent theft he tank contents as the cost/value of such products continues to rise.

Examples of locking devices are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,342,210; 8,240,500; 6,745,914; 6,029,709; 6,003,558; 5,640,999; 5,437,309; 5,269,433; 4,351,446; 3,722,549; and 3,672,403, the complete disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by reference and for all purposes.

While various implementations of underground tank locks have been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the presently disclosed technology.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to locking mechanisms configured to secure access to fill caps for underground tanks, such as liquid storage tanks. In one exemplary present configuration, the presently disclosed subject matter has particular applicability, but is not limited to, underground liquid storage tanks that store refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, etc. (i.e., such products as found at typical end user fueling stations).

Presently disclosed subject matter relates in pertinent part to the construction of a protective shell with an integral vapor sealing cap and a three point toggle mechanism. The purpose of the subject matter is to prevent theft, willful contamination, or otherwise unauthorized access for any purpose to the underground storage tank fill cap while maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the release of the vapor from the tank contents. There is a particular need to prevent theft of the tank contents as well as vapor losses as the retail cost of petroleum products continues to rise.

The presently disclosed subject matter prevents and/or limits a large variety of the above-referenced typical attack methods. In particular, a presently disclosed exemplary locking mechanism preferably may comprise either of a metal or engineered plastic protective shell which physically blocks access to the standpipe and pipe adapter and is itself free spinning to prevent unscrewing of the cap.

Further, the presently disclosed subject matter is preferably provided with a high security lock to resist lock picking, drilling, as well as other physical attack methods.

Still further, the presentation of only a protective shell and high security lock face to a person seeking to make unauthorized access greatly restricts the ability to attack such a mechanism with bolt cutters, pry bars, or other such tools.

Alternatively, exemplary embodiments of presently disclosed mechanisms may be secured with a padlock to increase ease of use, provide keyless entry, or for other such reasons as desired by the user.

One present exemplary apparatus is for securing access to an underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure an associated underground liquid storage tank for refined petroleum products. Such apparatus preferably comprises a protective shell; an associated lock; and a toggle mechanism with integral vapor sealing cap. Such toggle mechanism is preferably configured for operation with the associated lock to prevent unauthorized access to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal therewith to prevent the release of vapor from the associated tank contents.

In some of the foregoing embodiments, such sealing cap may include a locking groove and such associated lock may include a lock bolt for selective engagement with such locking groove for securing such toggle mechanism from movement.

In other present variations, such an associated storage tank may include an associated standpipe and associated pipe adapter; and such toggle mechanism may comprise a locking bracket having a rotatable interface for such protective shell, so that such protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of such associated pipe adapter.

In yet other alternatives, such an apparatus may further include a gasket between such vapor sealing cap and such associated pipe adapter; and such locking bracket may comprise a three point over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings. With such configuration, such locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging such vapor sealing cap with such gasket while otherwise rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor sealing cap.

Further alternatives encompass apparatus where such protective shell defines an opening therethrough; and where such locking bracket is configured to be receivable below such protective shell, with such lock configured to be receivable through such protective shell opening for securement of such protective shell to such associated pipe adapter.

In yet other alternatives, such an apparatus may further include a gasket between such vapor sealing cap and the associated tank. For some such apparatus, such protective shell may comprise one of metal and engineered plastic and/or for others, such associated lock may comprise one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock post.

In other presently disclosed variations, such an apparatus may further include a weather cap for covering such associated lock, and a handle assembly associated with such protective shell for lifting and removing such shell from the associated storage tank.

Yet another present exemplary embodiment in accordance with presently disclosed subject matter may relate to a rotatable locking mechanism for securing access to an underground fuel storage tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a pipe adapter. Such a mechanism may preferably comprise a high security lock; a protective shell for physically blocking access to such standpipe and pipe adapter associated with an underground storage tank; and a locking bracket, for association with such high security lock for selectively securing such protective shell to such pipe adapter, such that such protective shell physically blocks access to such pipe adapter, whereby access to the associated storage tank is protected. In such an arrangement, preferably such locking bracket may further include a rotatable interface for such protective shell, so that such protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of an associated pipe adapter.

In some presently disclosed alternatives of such a rotatable locking mechanism, such locking bracket may comprise a three point over center latching mechanism including a center bracket and a vapor cap. In other variations, such a rotatable locking mechanism may further include a gasket positioned between such vapor cap and such pipe adapter.

For other alternative such rotatable locking mechanisms, such locking bracket center bracket comprises a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby such locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging such vapor cap with such gasket while otherwise rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor cap.

In other present variations, such protective shell may define an opening therethrough; and such locking bracket may be configured to be receivable below such protective shell, with such lock configured to be receivable through such protective shell opening for securement of such protective shell to such associated pipe adapter.

For other presently disclosed alternatives, such sealing cap may include a locking groove and such associated lock may include a lock bolt for selective engagement with such locking groove for securing such locking bracket from movement,

In yet other alternatives, such protective shell may further include a depending skirt for extending to cover portions of an associated pipe adapter; and such rotatable locking mechanism may further include a handle secured to such protective shell to facilitate removal thereof from an associated pipe adapter. In some such variations, such a rotatable locking mechanism may further include a shell bumper received on such protective she depending skirt for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of such protective shell.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter equally relates to both apparatus and to corresponding and/or associated methodology. One present exemplary embodiment of such methodology relates to securing access to an underground liquid storage tank for refined petroleum products while maintaining vapor seal for the storage tank contents, such tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a pipe adapter. Such exemplary methodology preferably comprises providing a protective shell with an associated lock; and selectively securing such protective shell relative to the associated underground tank through use of a locking mechanism beneath the protective shell, such locking mechanism having an integral vapor sealing cap for creating a vapor seal relative to the storage tank pipe adapter to prevent the release of vapor from the associated tank contents, and having a rotatable configuration for rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor sealing cap. Practice of such methodology prevents unauthorized access to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal therefor.

In some present variations of presently disclosed subject matter, methodology may further include providing a gasket between such vapor sealing cap and such associated pipe adapter; and wherein such locking mechanism may comprise a three point over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby such locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging such vapor sealing cap with such gasket while otherwise rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor sealing cap.

In other present variations, presently disclosed methodology may further include providing an opening through the center of the protective shell; and installing the associated lock through the center of the protective shell, so as to engage a split locking collar associated with such center bracket, to thereby allow such protective shell to rotate freely relative to such center bracket.

Per other present alternatives, presently disclosed methodology may further include providing a selectively removable weather cap for covering such associated lock, and providing a handle assembly associated with such protective shell for lifting and removing such shell from the associated storage tank; and wherein such associated lock may comprise one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock post. Still other variations may further include providing a protective shell with a shell bumper for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of the protective shell, and/or may further include providing the associated storage tank in an accessible spill containment well, surrounded by filler material including one of earth and concrete, and covered with an unsecured containment lid.

Additional objects and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, elements, and steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the presently disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like.

Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the presently disclosed subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures). Additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the presently disclosed subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical underground storage tank installation including an exemplary locking mechanism in accordance with presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary locking mechanism in accordance with presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric, partial cutaway view of the exemplary present locking mechanism in present FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the present exemplary locking mechanism of present FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in a sealed and locked condition thereof;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in a sealed but unlocked condition thereof;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in an unlocked and unsealed condition thereof;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of alternate embodiment of the present exemplary lock mechanism of the presently disclosed subject matter, and in which a high security lock is replaced with a padlock post and lock embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary alternate lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 8, taken along a vertical plane (section line Y-Y) thereof; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary alternate lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 8, taken along a vertical plane (section line Y-Y) thereof, and with the padlock removed.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements, or steps of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF. THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As discussed in the Summary of the Subject Matter section, the presently disclosed subject matter is particularly concerned with apparatus and methodologies for securing access to fill caps for underground liquid storage tanks.

Selected combinations of aspects of the presently disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the presently disclosed subject matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of one or more other embodiments to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar function or functions.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the subject underground tank access securing apparatus and methodology.

A typical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter as installed in the field is represented by application FIG. 1. Such exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter is preferably comprised of a protective shell 1 that is secured by high security lock 2 and provided with a separate shell bumper 3. A standpipe 5 to an underground tank (not shown) is typically maintained in accessible spill containment well generally 6, surrounded by earth or concrete 7, and covered with an unsecured containment lid 8. The purpose of the presently disclosed subject matter is to seal pipe adapter 4 and prevent release of the tank contents, while also allowing authorized access to pipe adapter 4 for adding to, removing from, or inspecting the underground tank contents, and while also preventing any unauthorized access to the tank. In such context, the purpose of the shell bumper 3 is to act as a sleeve guide for installation of the unit onto pipe adapter 4 and then limit the degree to which the unit can be tilted while installed so as to increase the difficulty in forcibly removing the unit from the pipe adapter 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates outwardly visible components of the presently disclosed subject matter when positioned for use, and which includes: the protective shell 1, the high security lock 2 which may be fitted with a weather cap, and a handle assembly 9 to assist with lifting and removing the mechanism (or shell) from the pipe well.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway of the protective shell 1 to reveal the components of the present exemplary locking and sealing mechanism. Vapor cap 10 is fitted with a three point over center toggle latching mechanism to secure it to the pipe adapter and to provide a vapor tight seal. Such mechanism includes toggle links 11, pivot pins 12, toggle fingers 13 (only one visible in FIG. 3), and retaining rings 14. FIG. 3 further illustrates use of a split locking collar 15 and center toggle bracket 16.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the components of the exemplary FIG. 3 mechanism. The high security lock 2 can be fitted with a weather cap 18 to protect the lock interior components. Such lock 2 is preferably installed through the center of the protective shell 1, the split locking collar 15, and the center toggle bracket 16, and is secured with lock retaining ring 19. The split locking collar 15 fastens the protective shell 1 to the center toggle bracket 16 in such a manner as to allow the protective shell 1 to rotate freely relative to the center toggle bracket 16. In such manner, the vapor cap 10 is secured to the pipe adapter 4. Such arrangement prevents unscrewing of the pipe adapter 4 from the standpipe by rotation or other manipulation of the protective shell 1.

The three point over center latching mechanism is comprised of the center bracket 16, the three (or more) toggle links 11 and their associated toggle fingers 13, the vapor cap 10, the pivot pins 12, and the retaining rings 14. The vapor cap 10 is preferably fitted with an internal gasket 17 to provide vapor seal between the pipe adapter 4 and the vapor cap 10, as without further discussion will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the complete disclosure and illustrations herewith.

FIG. 5 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject matter shown in the locked and sealed condition, taken along the section line X-X of FIG. 2. As represented, the exemplary toggle mechanism is secured from movement by the lock bolt 20 engaging a locking groove 21 in the vapor cap 10. The gasket 17 is compressed by the toggle mechanism to provide the vapor seal between the pipe adapter 4 and the vapor cap 10. As also shown by the cross-section of FIG. 5 (and in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 6 and 7), the weather cap 18 is shown in an opened position for access by key 22 to high security lock 2, and the shell lifting handle 9 is omitted from the illustrations for greater clarity of the illustrated components and features.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject matter shown in the sealed bur unlocked condition, taken along the section line X-X of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates the lock bolt 20 being withdrawn from the locking groove 21 by means of rotating the high security lock 2 with the correct key 22. In other words, the presently disclosed exemplary subject matter as illustrated in such FIG. 6 is in its unlocked condition with the key retained in the lock 2 but with the arrangement still in a sealed position.

FIG. 7 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject matter shown in the unlocked and unsealed condition, taken along the section line X-X of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates the lifting of the presently disclosed subject matter from the pipe adapter 4. In the illustration, the gasket 17 is shown as still engaged but is no longer under compression. As the presently disclosed subject matter is lifted clear, the lock 2, protective she 1, split locking collar 15, and center toggle bracket 16 all move relative to the vapor cap 10, which results in release of the toggle mechanism from the pipe adapter 4. After such removal, the toggle mechanism remains in the extended position by means of gravity or an internal spring such that it is in the ready position to be reinstalled onto the pipe adapter 4 by simply replacing the mechanism on the pipe adapter and pushing down on the protective sleeve 1. Such action will return the toggle mechanism to a compressed and sealed state and allow the key 22 to be appropriately rotated to re-engage the lock bolt 20 into the locking groove 21. The presently disclosed subject matter would at such point have been returned to its locked and sealed state, which would then allow the key 22 to be removed.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter in which the exemplary high security lock is replaced with a padlock post 31 and a padlock 30 which may be secured to the protective shell 1 such as by means of an attached chain 32. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of such alternative presently disclosed exemplary embodiment, taken along the section line Y-Y of present FIG. 8. The padlock post 31 may be permanently retained in the vapor cap 10 by means of post retainer pins 33 extending into the vapor cap locking groove 21. The padlock 30 locked through padlock post 31 prevents the relative movement of the protective shell 1 and center toggle bracket 16 relative to the vapor cap 10, which prevents release of the toggle mechanism. FIG. 10 represents (also per a cross-section taken along the section line Y-Y of present FIG. 8) removal of the padlock 30 which then allows the presently disclosed subject matter to be released from the pipe adapter 4 in a similar manner as previously stated.

While the presently disclosed subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and/or equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the presently disclosed subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

What is claimed:
 1. Apparatus for securing access to an underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure an associated underground liquid storage tank for refined petroleum products, comprising: a protective shell; an associated lock; and a toggle mechanism with integral vapor sealing cap and configured for operation with the associated lock to prevent unauthorized access to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal therewith to prevent the release of vapor from the associated tank contents.
 2. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said sealing cap includes a locking groove and said associated lock includes a lock bolt for selective engagement with said locking groove for securing said toggle mechanism from movement.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said associated storage tank includes an associated standpipe and associated pipe adapter; and said toggle mechanism comprises a locking bracket having a rotatable interface for said protective shell, so that said protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of said associated pipe adapter.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 3, further including a gasket between said vapor sealing cap and said associated pipe adapter; and wherein said locking bracket comprises a three point over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby said locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging said vapor sealing cap with said gasket while otherwise rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said vapor sealing cap.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein: said protective shell defines an opening therethrough; and said locking bracket is configured to be receivable below said protective shell, with said lock configured to be receivable through said protective shell opening for securement of said protective shell to said associated pipe adapter.
 6. Apparatus as in claim 1, further including a gasket between said vapor sealing cap and the associated tank.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said protective shell comprises one of metal and engineered plastic.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said associated lock comprises one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock post.
 9. Apparatus as in claim 1, further including: a weather cap for covering said associated lock, and a handle assembly associated with said protective shell for lifting and removing said shell from the associated storage tank.
 10. A rotatable locking mechanism for securing access to an underground fuel storage tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a pipe adapter, comprising: a high security lock; a protective shell for physically blocking access to such standpipe and pipe adapter associated with an underground storage tank; and a locking bracket, for association with said high security lock for selectively securing said protective shell to said pipe adapter, such that said protective shell physically blocks access to such pipe adapter, whereby access to the associated storage tank is protected; wherein said locking bracket further includes a rotatable interface for said protective shell, so that said protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of an associated pipe adapter.
 11. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein said locking bracket comprises a three point over center latching mechanism including a center bracket and a vapor cap.
 12. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 11, further including a gasket positioned between said vapor cap and said pipe adapter.
 13. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 12, wherein said locking bracket center bracket comprises a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby said locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging said vapor cap with said gasket while otherwise rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said vapor cap.
 14. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein: said protective shell defines an opening therethrough; and said locking bracket is configured to be receivable below said protective shell, with said lock configured to be receivable through said protective shell opening for securement of said protective shell to said associated pipe adapter.
 15. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein said sealing cap includes a locking groove and said associated lock includes a lock bolt for selective engagement with said locking groove for securing said locking bracket from movement.
 16. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein: said protective shell further includes a depending skirt for extending to cover portions of an associated pipe adapter; and said rotatable locking mechanism further includes a handle secured to said protective shell to facilitate removal thereof from an associated pipe adapter.
 17. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 16, further including a shell bumper received on said protective shell depending skirt for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of said protective shell.
 18. Methodology for securing access to an underground liquid storage tank for refined petroleum products while maintaining vapor seal for the storage tank contents, such tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a pipe adapter, said methodology comprising: providing a protective shell with an associated lock; and selectively securing such protective shell relative to the associated underground tank through use of a locking mechanism beneath the protective shell, such locking mechanism having an integral vapor sealing cap for creating a vapor seal relative to the storage tank pipe adapter to prevent the release of vapor from the associated tank contents, and having a rotatable configuration for rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said vapor sealing cap, whereby such methodology prevents unauthorized access to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal therefor.
 19. Methodology as in claim 18, further including: providing a gasket between said vapor sealing cap and said associated pipe adapter; and wherein said locking mechanism comprises a three point over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby said locking bracket is configured for selectively engaging said vapor sealing cap with said gasket while otherwise rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said vapor sealing cap.
 20. Methodology as in claim 19, further including: providing an opening through the center of the protective shell; and installing the associated lock through the center of the protective shell, so as to engage a split locking collar associated with said center bracket, to thereby allow said protective shell to rotate freely relative to said center bracket.
 21. Methodology as in claim 18, further including: providing a selectively removable weather cap for covering said associated lock, and providing a handle assembly associated with said protective shell for lifting and removing said shell from the associated storage tank; and wherein said associated lock comprises one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock post.
 22. Methodology as in claim 18, further including providing said protective shell with a shell bumper for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of the protective shell.
 23. Methodology as in claim 18, further including providing the associated storage tank in an accessible spill containment well, surrounded by filler material including one of earth and concrete, and covered with an unsecured containment lid. 